Forecasters say Atlantic gales will batter Britain until late March, with 50mph gusts due in the South from Monday.

Councils, transport bosses and emergency services have also been briefed to expect snow and sub-zero temperatures around Easter Sunday on April 16.

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There she blows . . . Londoners brave torrential rain ahead of a mad few months of weather

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Drive by storm . . . drivers could face Atlantic gales in March

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Wet and wild . . . cyclist braves more storms in Wales

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Batten down the hatches . . . wild weather set to storm across the UK in time for Easter

Cold April spells have seen -5C to -11C in each of the past five years, Met Office records show.

The ‘polar vortex’ - the North Pole’s dominant low pressure – is forecast to weaken, meaning high pressure would block mild westerly winds and allow cold air to hit Britain.

However, the heat could be on in May — with temperatures set to hit 26C.

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Snowy side of life . . . another load of polar snow is set to hit UK in April

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Blanket of snow . . . could be a cold Spring ahead for the UK

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Ready to rumble . . . kids play in the snow and should be thrilled by the news

Driver braves Horseshoe Pass after cops urge locals to avoid area

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She's so cold . . . Brits can relax in May in highs of 26C

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Suits you . . . this guy can't wait for more snow

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Brolley's up . . . Brits spend time in the great outdoors ahead of cold snap

Hot spells are expected due to warm continental air arriving thanks to high pressure ‘blocking.’ May has seen highs of 24C to 31C in each of the past five years, Met Office records show.

May is expected to be so warm that much-warmer-than-usual temperatures are eight times more likely than much-colder-than-average over the next three months - even taking into account the April chill, the Met Office said.